Medical access ports, transfer devices and methods of use thereof

ABSTRACT

An access port system, comprising an implantable access port, the access port including an access port body, an access port needle and a fluid flow passage provided within the body and the needle; wherein the needle is fully containable within the body, and the needle is exposable outside the body; wherein the needle is arranged within the body to penetrate outwardly of the subject from within the subject when the access port is implanted in the subject; wherein, when the needle is exposed outside the body, the fluid flow passage is open to a flow of a fluid within the access port in at least a direction entering the access port through the needle and thereafter exiting the access port from the body; and wherein the assess port includes at least one sensor configured to detect the fluid within the fluid flow passage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/608,697, filed Dec. 21, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices, systems and methods, and more particularly to indwelling access devices, systems and methods which may comprise an implantable (subcutaneous) indwelling access port, which may be coupled with at least one implantable (subcutaneous) indwelling catheter within a body, particularly a human body.

BACKGROUND

Medical patients, such as oncology patients, hemodialysis patients and hematology patients, may be subject to frequent fluid infusion treatments and/or fluid extraction treatments. Fluid infusion treatments may deliver medication (e.g. pharmaceutical products; therapeutic drugs), bodily fluid (e.g. blood), nutrients, contrasting agents, dialysis fluid and other liquid compositions to the body, while fluid extraction treatments may remove fluids such as dialysis fluid, bodily fluid (e.g. blood as part of phlebotomy) and other liquid compositions from the body. A fluid infusion treatment and fluid extraction treatment may be part of a fluid exchange treatment, such as dialysis.

Many fluid treatments involve the use of an indwelling catheter with transgresses out of the body. However, where the catheter passes through the body, there may be an increased risk of infection inception which can spread both internally and externally.

In order to reduce the likelihood of infection associated with the foregoing transcutaneous catheter, certain medical applications may be able to utilize an access port implanted beneath the cutaneous tissue (skin) of the patient/body.

An implanted access port may include an access point, such as a septum, into which an external hypodermic needle may be inserted. The access port is coupled to an indwelling catheter, which is inserted into a vein, such as a jugular vein, subclavian vein or superior vena cava. The septum may be formed of a self-healing silicone material, which may be punctured multiple times with a small gauge needle (e.g. 20-21 gauge) with a relatively low loss in its integrity.

External access to the implanted vascular access port may be accomplished by inserting the hypodermic needle through the patient's skin and through the septum of the implanted port. However, a clinician needs to properly target the access port and, as a result, multiple needle sticks may be required to properly locate and access the access port, which may add discomfort to the patient.

Additionally, for certain medical applications, a large gauge needle (e.g. 14-17 gauge) may be required to facilitate suitable flow rates for fluids. However, large gauge hypodermic needles may damage the septum of the implanted port, which may result in the septum leaking, as well as also add discomfort to the patient. Moreover, the external hypodermic needle may introduce bacteria into the entrance site, which may increase the risk of infection.

SUMMARY

By way of general overview, the present disclosure provides medical devices, systems and methods, and more particularly provides indwelling access devices, systems and methods which may comprise an implantable, subcutaneous, indwelling access port, which may be coupled with one or more implantable, subcutaneous, indwelling catheters within a body, particularly a human body, as well as a transfer device.

The access port may include an access port body containing at least one exposable/concealable (e.g. extendable/retractable) internal needle that may extend/retract relative to the access port body to expose/conceal the internal needle. The access port may also include an access port body containing at least one exposable/concealable internal needle and having an access port body that is configured to compress (collapse) to expose the internal needle and configured to decompress (expand) to expose the internal needle.

The internal needle includes a lumen which provides a segment of a fluid passage which extends through the needle, the access port body and an adjoining catheter which is completely implanted in the host. The fluid passage may be used to delivery fluid to the host, particularly with a fluid infusion treatment, and/or extract fluid from the host, particularly with a fluid extraction treatment.

The internal needle may be concealable in, and exposable from, the access port body by a variety of mechanisms, which may include mechanical, magnetic, electrical and electro-mechanical mechanisms as disclosed herein.

The access ports herein may be used to provide peritoneal dialysis and/or hemodialysis as part of treatment for kidney disease/failure; to remove fluid from the peritoneal cavity to treat ascites; to provide nutrition to s host as part of total parenteral nutrition to treat eating and digestion disorders; to deliver cells to the host to treat cancer; to remove blood from the host to treat hemochromatosis; to deliver blood to the host to treat sickle cell disease and beta thalassemia as a few particular medical applications.

In at least one embodiment, an access port system may be provided, comprising an implantable access port configured to be implanted into a subject, the access port including an access port body, an access port needle and a fluid flow passage provided within the access port body and the access port needle; wherein the access port needle is fully containable within the access port body, and the access port needle is exposable outside the access port body; wherein the access port needle is arranged within the access port body to penetrate outwardly of the subject from within the subject when the access port is implanted in the subject; wherein, when the access port needle is exposed outside the access port body, the fluid flow passage is open to a flow of a fluid within the access port in at least a direction entering the access port through the access port needle and thereafter exiting the access port from the access port body; and wherein the assess port includes at least one sensor configured to detect the fluid within the fluid flow passage.

In at least one embodiment, the access port may include a wireless communication device and a power supply, the at least one sensor is operable to provide an operational output and the wireless communication device is operable to transmit the operational output of the at least one sensor from the access port.

In at least one embodiment, the wireless communication device may comprise at least one of a transmitter, a receiver and a transceiver.

In at least one embodiment, the operational output of the at least one sensor may comprise an output signal indicating a non-existence of the fluid within the fluid flow passage.

In at least one embodiment, the operational output of the at least one sensor may comprises an output signal indicating an existence of the fluid within the fluid flow passage.

In at least one embodiment, the operational output of the at least one sensor comprise an output signal indicating at least a partial chemical composition of the fluid within the fluid flow passage.

In at least one embodiment, the operational output of the at least one sensor may comprise an output signal indicating at least one physical property of the fluid within the fluid flow passage.

In at least one embodiment, the at least one physical property of the fluid within the fluid flow passage may include at least one of pressure, temperature and flow rate of the fluid.

In at least one embodiment, the at least one physical property of the fluid within the fluid flow passage may include at least one of a mechanical, chemical, thermal, hydraulic, electrical and optical property of the fluid.

In at least one embodiment, the operational output of the at least one sensor may comprise an output signal indicating an operational status of the at least one sensor.

In at least one embodiment, the operational status may include monitoring for use of the sensor.

In at least one embodiment, the at least one sensor may be a contact sensor configured to contact the fluid within the fluid flow passage.

In at least one embodiment, the at least one sensor may be a non-contact sensor configured not to contact the fluid within the fluid flow passage.

In at least one embodiment, the at least one sensor may comprise at least one of an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a volumetric flow sensor, and a mass flow rate sensor.

In at least one embodiment, the at least one sensor may comprise at least one of a chemical sensor and a bioanalytic sensor.

In at least one embodiment, the access port system may further comprise an actuator configured to operate the access port.

In at least one embodiment, the access port needle may include a replaceable needle tip.

In at least one embodiment, the access port system may further comprise a catheter coupled to the access port.

FIGURES

The above-mentioned and other features of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, may become more apparent and better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments described herein taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1a illustrates a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a medical device comprising an access port and a catheter according to the present disclosure, with a needle of the access port in a concealed position relative to the access port body and the catheter in a blood vessel;

FIG. 1b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the medical device of FIG. 1a , with the needle of the access port in an exposed position relative to the access port body and the needle tip removed;

FIG. 1c illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the medical device of FIG. 1a , with the needle of the access port in an exposed position relative to the access port body and the catheter in a body cavity;

FIG. 1d illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the medical device of FIG. 1a , with the needle of the access port in an exposed position relative to the access port body and a pigtail catheter in a body cavity;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the medical device comprising an access port and a catheter according to the present disclosure, which operates in a similar manner to the embodiment of FIG. 1a , with a needle of the access port in a concealed position relative to the access port body and the catheter in a blood vessel;

FIG. 3a illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a medical device comprising an access port and a catheter according to the present disclosure, with a needle of the access port in a concealed position relative to the access port body;

FIG. 3b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the medical device of FIG. 3a , with the needle of the access port in an exposed position relative to the access port body and the needle tip removed;

FIG. 4a illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a medical device comprising an access port and a catheter according to the present disclosure, with a needle of the access port in a concealed position relative to the access port body;

FIG. 4b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the medical device of FIG. 4a , with the needle of the access port in an exposed position relative to the access port body and the needle tip removed;

FIG. 4c illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the medical device of FIG. 4a , with the a flexible (bendable) needle of the access port in an exposed position relative to the access port body and the needle tip removed;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic of a control system for a medical device comprising an access port according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6a illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a medical device comprising an access port and a catheter according to the present disclosure, with a needle of the access port in a concealed position relative to the access port body;

FIG. 6b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the medical device of FIG. 6a , with the needle of the access port in an exposed position relative to the access port body and the needle tip removed;

FIG. 7a illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a medical device comprising an access port and a catheter according to the present disclosure, with a needle of the access port in a concealed position relative to the access port body;

FIG. 7b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the medical device of FIG. 7a , with the needle of the access port in an exposed position relative to the access port body and the needle tip removed;

FIG. 8a illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a medical device comprising an access port and a catheter according to the present disclosure with a needle of the access port in a concealed position relative to the access port body;

FIG. 8b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the medical device of FIG. 8a , with the needle of the access port in an exposed position relative to the access port body and the needle tip removed;

FIG. 9a illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a medical device comprising an access port and two catheters according to the present disclosure, with two needles of the access port in a concealed position relative to the access port body;

FIG. 9b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the medical device of FIG. 9a , with the needles of the access port in an exposed position relative to the access port body and the needle tips removed;

FIG. 9c illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the medical device of FIG. 9a , with the needles of the access port in an exposed position relative to the access port body and coupled to a fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus to form an extracorporeal circuit with the host;

FIG. 9d illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a medical device, and more particularly a closed system (drug) transfer device, comprising an access port and two catheters according to the present disclosure, with two needles of the access port in an exposed position relative to the access port body and the needle tips removed prior to the needles being coupled to a fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus;

FIG. 9e illustrates a cross-sectional view of the medical device, and more particularly the closed system (drug) transfer device of FIG. 9d , with the needles of the access port coupled to the fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus, and with needles of the fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus in a retracted position;

FIG. 9f illustrates a cross-sectional view of the medical device, and more particularly the closed system (drug) transfer device of FIG. 9d , with the needles of the access port coupled to the fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus, and with needles of the fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus in an extended position, to form an extracorporeal circuit with the host;

FIG. 9g illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the medical device of FIG. 9a , with the needles of the access port in an exposed position relative to the access port body and coupled to a fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus which comprises a cleaning apparatus;

FIG. 9h illustrates a close-up view of the medical device of FIG. 9g as bounded by circle 9 h;

FIG. 9i illustrates a cross-sectional of the medical device of FIG. 9g taken along line 9 i-9 i of FIG. 9 h;

FIG. 10a illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a medical device, and more particularly a closed system (drug) transfer device, comprising an access port and two catheters according to the present disclosure, with two needles of the access port in a concealed position relative to the access port body prior to the needles being coupled to a fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus;

FIG. 10b is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10 b-10 b of FIG. 10 a;

FIG. 10c illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of a medical device, and more particularly a closed system (drug) transfer device of FIG. 10a , with the two needles of the access port in an exposed position relative to the access port body, after the needles are coupled to the fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus and before the needle tips are removed;

FIG. 10d illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of a medical device, and more particularly a closed system (drug) transfer device of FIG. 10a , with the two needles of the access port in an exposed position relative to the access port body, after the needles are coupled to the fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus and after the needle tips are removed;

FIG. 10e illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of a medical device, and more particularly a closed system (drug) transfer device of FIG. 10a , with the two needles of the access port in an exposed position relative to the access port body, after the needles are coupled to the fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus, after the needle tips are removed and before the needles are coupled to fluid infusion and/or extraction members;

FIG. 10f is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10 f-10 f of FIG. 10 e;

FIG. 10g illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of a medical device, and more particularly a closed system (drug) transfer device of FIG. 10a , with the two needles of the access port in an exposed position relative to the access port body, after the needles are coupled to the fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus, after the needle tips are removed and after the needles are coupled to fluid infusion and/or extraction members to form an extracorporeal circuit with the host;

FIG. 11a illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a medical device, and more particularly a closed system (drug) transfer device, comprising an access port and two catheters according to the present disclosure, with two needles of the access port in a concealed position relative to the access port body;

FIG. 11b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the medical device, and more particularly a closed system (drug) transfer device of FIG. 11a , with the needles of the access port in an exposed position relative to the access port body;

FIG. 11e illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a medical device, and more particularly a closed system (drug) transfer device, comprising an access port and two catheters according to the present disclosure, with two needles of the access port in a concealed position relative to the access port body prior to the needles being coupled to a fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus;

FIG. 11d illustrates a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of a medical device, and more particularly a closed system (drug) transfer device of FIG. 10c , comprising the access port and the two catheters according to the present disclosure, with the two needles of the access port in an exposed position relative to the access port body, after the needles are coupled to the fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus to form an extracorporeal circuit with the host;

FIG. 12a illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a medical device, and more particularly an access port and a closed system (drug) transfer device;

FIG. 12b illustrates a close-up cross-sectional perspective view of the medical device, and more particularly an access port and a closed system (drug) transfer device of FIG. 12 a;

FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a medical device comprising an access port and two catheters according to the present disclosure, with two needles of the access port in an exposed position relative to the access port body and the needle tips removed and coupled to a fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus to form an extracorporeal circuit with the host; and

FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a medical device comprising an access port and two catheters according to the present disclosure, with two needles of the access port in an exposed position relative to the access port body and the needle tips removed and coupled to a fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus to form an extracorporeal circuit with the host.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention(s) herein are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

By way of general overview, the present disclosure provides medical devices, systems and methods, and more particularly provides indwelling access devices, systems and methods which may comprise an implantable, subcutaneous, indwelling access port, which may be coupled with one or more implantable, subcutaneous, indwelling catheters within a body, particularly a human body.

The access port may include an access port body containing at least one exposable/concealable (e.g. extendable/retractable) internal needle that may extend/retract relative to the access port body to expose/conceal the internal needle. The access port may also include an access port body containing at least one exposable/concealable internal needle and having an access port body that is configured to compress (collapse) to expose the internal needle and configured to decompress (expand) to expose the internal needle.

Upon implantation of the access port in a human body, the internal needle(s) may be particularly configured to puncture through the skin of the body from beneath the skin, providing access to the port. In certain embodiments, a catheter or other device may be coupled to the needle(s) when exposed through the skin to infuse a fluid (liquid) to the body of the host (e.g. patient or other subject) and/or extract a fluid from the body of the host. For example, the needle(s) may puncture a stopper of a vial, or other seal of another fluid source, and a fluid stored in the vial or the other fluid source may flow from the fluid source through the needle and into the body.

While multiple embodiments of medical devices, systems and methods may be disclosed herein, it should be understood that any particular feature(s) of a particular exemplary embodiment may be equally applied to any other exemplary embodiment(s) of this specification as suitable. In other words, features between the various exemplary embodiments described herein are interchangeable as suitable, and not exclusive.

Referring now to the figures, and in particular FIGS. 1a and 1b , there is shown a first embodiment of a medical device 10 according to the present disclosure implanted in a body of a host 58, such as a patient or other subject, who may be undergoing medical treatment or diagnosis. Medical device 10 may comprise an implantable (subcutaneous), indwelling access port 20 a and an implantable (subcutaneous), indwelling catheter 30 a coupled to the access port 20 a.

As shown, the medical device 10 is implanted beneath the surface 62 of tissue 60, such as cutaneous (skin) tissue, and the indwelling catheter 30 a may extend from the access port 20 a through a vessel wall 64 and into a lumen 66 of a blood vessel 68 in the tissue 60 of the host 58. In such manner, lumen 145 of catheter body 144 and lumen 66 of blood vessel 68 are in fluid communication. In such application, access port 20 a may be understood to comprise a vascular access port.

As shown in FIG. 1a , the access port 20 a includes a needle 110, particularly a pointed, closed tip, hollow needle, contained and housed within access port body 100. As shown in FIG. 1a , the needle 110 is in a concealed/retracted position relative to the access port body 100, and includes a pointed, removable, needle (dilator) tip 111 removably coupled to a distal end portion 114 of the needle shaft 112, which closes the distal end of shaft lumen 113. As shown in FIG. 1b , needle 110 is in an exposed/extended position relative to the access port body 100, and the removable pointed tip 111 has been removed to expose and provide access to lumen 113.

The needles 110 contemplated herein, may include any hollow cylinder or shaft 112. Furthermore, the needles 110 may exhibit an outer diameter in the range of 0.1 mm to 4.6 mm, including all values and increments therein. In addition, the needles 110 may exhibit an inner diameter in the range of 0.08 mm to 4.0 mm, including all values and increments therein. Furthermore, the needles 110 may exhibit a nominal wall thickness in the range of 0.002 mm to 0.4 mm including all values and increments therein. The needles 110 may be formed of stainless steel, ceramic composites, or other materials. In addition, the needles 110 or the needle tips 111 may be replaceable in case of dulling. The needles 110 may have gauge sizes in a range of 7 gauge to 34 gauge (e.g. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 gauge), including all values and increments therein, with the gauge size derived from the Stubs (a/k/a/ Birmingham) gauge. More particularly, the needles 110 may have gauge sizes in a range of 11 gauge to 23 gauge, and more particularly in the range of 14 gauge to 17 gauge. The needle shaft 112 may be blunt (square) distal end which may receive removable tip 111, or include, in some examples, standard bevels, short bevels, true short bevels, etc. which do not receive a removable tip 111.

The removable tip 111 may be removably secured to the shaft 112, such as by threaded engagement of opposing threads on each component, or by an interference (press) fit. A proximal end portion 116 of the needle shaft 112 may be secured within the access port body 100 against inadvertent removal from the access port 20 a. The needle 110 may be made of a ferromagnetic material, or may include a ferromagnetic material at the distal end portion 114. Examples of ferromagnetic material include iron, nickel and/or cobalt.

The access port body 100 may include an external surface 104 and an internal fluid flow passage 101 which may allow fluid to flow through the access port 20 a in either direction as described herein. Access port body 100 may include a fluid containment chamber 102, which may optionally provide a reservoir for fluid to be stored within the access port 20 a.

The access port 20 a may also include first and second bores 106, 107 on different sides of the chamber 102 which provide tubular passages 108, 109, respectively, connecting or providing fluid communication between the chamber 102 and the external surface 104 of the access port 20 a. Needle 110 may be positioned within bore 107/passage 109 and may extend from and/or retract into the access port body 100 relative to a outer self-closing seal 132, such as a “self healing” silicone septum described below. Thus, within access port body 100, the internal fluid flow passage 101 which allows fluid to pass through access port 20 a may be understood to be formed by chamber 102, tubular passage 108 and lumen 113 of needle 110.

To extend the needle 110 as shown in FIG. 1b , an actuator 40 comprising a magnet 41, such as an electro-magnet, may be positioned closely over (adjacent within about 10 mm, and more particularly within about 5 mm) or on the needle 110, or it may be positioned closely over or on a device to which the needle 110 may attach. When an electric current of a first polarity is provided to magnet 41, magnet 41 may emit an electro-magnetic field arranged with a first polarity which attracts needle 110. The needle 110, being attracted (pulled) towards the magnet 41 by the electro-magnetic force of the electro-magnetic field, may be exposed by extending outwards from the access port body 100 of the access port 20 a towards the magnet 41 and out of the host 58 by piercing through the skin surface 62 from within tissue 60.

The tip 111 of the needle 110 is designed to operate as a dilator during and after the distal (terminal) pointed end of the tip 111 (which may be referred to as a pencil tip) has penetrated through tissue 60. With the configuration as shown, the tip 111 of the needle dilates the tissue 60, rather than cutting through the tissue 60 as may be encountered with a large bore, pointed hypodermic needle, to reduce injury.

Alternatively, when it becomes desirable to retract the needle 110 back into the access port body 100 of the access port 20 a, after the tip 111 has been placed on needle shaft 112, an electric current of a second polarity opposite the first polarity (i.e. reverse polarity) is provided to magnet 41. Magnet 41 may then emit an electro-magnetic field arranged with a second polarity which repels the needle 110 from the magnet 41, in which case the needle 110 will be pushed away from the magnet 41 by the force of the electromagnetic field and retract inwards relative to access port body 100 and the host 58 to be concealed. As the needle 110 travels inwards in access port body 100, needle 110 correspondingly retracts and withdraws into cutaneous (skin) tissue 60.

It may also be possible to extend and retract the needle 110 using a permanent magnet 41, and reorientating the polarity during use of the magnet 41 to accommodate extension and retraction of needle 110.

In certain embodiments, after the needle 110 is extended, rotation of the needle 110 may lock the needle 110 in place against retraction. For example, the proximal end portion 116 of the needle 110 may include a projection 120 that may engage or otherwise cooperate with a needle lock mechanism 122, such as by rotating onto a catch or into a channel, provided in the chamber 102 at a predetermined location.

In addition, in certain embodiments the magnet 41 may be positioned on or within the device to which the needle 110 may be affixed to administer a given fluid (liquid) composition. For example, the magnet 41 may be positioned proximal to the lip of a vial, near the vial stopper, or in the tip of a catheter into which distal end portion 114 of the needle 110 may be asserted.

In certain embodiments, a needle extension biasing mechanism 124, such as a spring, may be positioned between the proximal end portion 116 of the needle 110 and a chamber wall 126 to retain the needle 110 in the retracted position. As may be appreciated, the force F(s) exerted by the needle extension biasing mechanism 124 on the needle 110 towards the retracted position may be less than the force F(m) exerted by the magnet 41, or stated another way, the force F(m) is greater than the force F(s).

In certain embodiments, the needle 110 may include a flare 128 at the proximal end portion 116 which the spring 124 biases against when compressed and needle 110 is in the extended position. In addition, in certain embodiments, a bumper seal 130 may be provided to receive the proximal end portion 116 of the needle 110 in the retracted position to cushion retraction of the needle 110. The bumper seal 130 may also function to close the proximal end portion 116 of the needle lumen 113 to prevent back flow of fluid through the needle 110 when the needle 110 is retracted, particularly in the event the needle 110 does not include closed tip 111. The bumper seal 130 may be formed into the chamber 126 or may be adhered onto the chamber walls.

In certain embodiments, a self-closing seal 132, such as a “self-healing” silicone septum or a duckbill valve, may be provided at the outer end 140 of tubular passage 109. This self-closing seal 132 may be provided alone, or in addition to the bumper seal 130, provided in the chamber 102. The self-closing seal 132 may include an elongated perforation 134 which extends through the thickness of the self-closing seal 132 to allow the needle 110 to more easily pass through upon application of the magnetic force by the magnet 41 of the actuator 40, or other actuators as disclosed herein.

In addition, in certain embodiments, an additional seal 136 (e.g. an O-ring seal) may be provided at the inner end 138 of tubular passage 109 to prevent backflow of the fluid in the chamber 102 into the tubular passage 109. It may be appreciated that further seals may be provided between the inner end 138 of the tubular passage 109 and the outer end 140 of the tubular passage 109. In other embodiments, an expandable and/or collapsible sleeve 142 may be provided over the needle extension biasing mechanism 124 and/or needle 110 preventing mingling of the fluids in the port with the spring surfaces or the exterior surfaces of the needle 110. The sleeve 142 may be accordion like or in the shape of a bellows.

Indwelling catheter 30 a, and more particularly catheter body 144 may be removably attached to the access port 20 a by a catheter connector 146 (e.g. barbed stem connector) of the access port 20 a, or permanently attached to the access port 20 a through chemical or mechanical means, including an adhesive, ultrasonic welding, press-fits, etc. The catheter body 144 may be relatively flexible and formed of a composition such as silicone, polyurethane, or other thermoplastic elastomers.

In addition, in some embodiments, a metering device 150 may be provided between chamber 102 of the access port 20 a and the catheter 30 a. The metering device 150 may include a valve and allow for control of the flow rate of fluid through the access port 20 a.

Referring now to FIG. 1c , rather than catheter 30 a being inserted into blood vessel 68, catheter 30 a is shown to be inserted into a body cavity 70. Needle 110 of access port is shown in its extended position with pointed tip 111 removed, and is in fluid communication with a fluid source 43 and a fluid receptacle 44. As such, fluid may flow through lumen 113 of needle, into fluid chamber 102 through tubular passage 108 and lumen 145 of catheter 30 a, and into body cavity 70, as well as vise-versa. Referring to FIG. 1d , rather than catheter 30 a being a straight catheter, catheter 30 a may be a pigtail catheter, which may include a number of fluid flow openings 31 in the sidewall in addition to a distal end opening.

Body cavity 70 may more particularly be the abdominal (peritoneal) cavity, and medical device 10 may be implanted in host 58 to perform peritoneal dialysis. Peritoneal dialysis may be a treatment available to patients who suffer from chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.

The peritoneal cavity, one of the serous cavities of the human body, is lined by the peritoneum, which is a serous membrane (or serosa). The peritoneal cavity may be understood as the potential space between the parietal peritoneum and visceral peritoneum, the two membranes that separate the organs in the abdominal cavity from the abdominal wall.

The peritoneal cavity contains peritoneal fluid, which may more broadly understood to be serous fluid (or serosal fluid) which is secreted by the peritoneum. Peritoneal fluid is a liquid that acts as a lubricant in the abdominal cavity, and it is found in small quantities between the parietal peritoneum and visceral peritoneum.

During peritoneal dialysis, dialysis fluid, also known as dialysate, is introduced into the peritoneal cavity through access port 20 a and catheter 30 a from fluid source 43. During the procedure, the peritoneum is used as a filter, in that waste products are removed from the blood by passing through the peritoneum. However, blood itself does not pass through the peritoneum. During infusion, the dialysis fluid may be pumped into the peritoneal cavity with the aid of a pump 46 which is part of fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus 42, which may comprise a dialysis apparatus 45.

After a time period in the peritoneal cavity, the now contaminated dialysis fluid may then be removed from the peritoneal cavity, particularly by being drained from the peritoneal cavity. The dialysis fluid may flow through catheter 30 a and access port 20 a to be contained in fluid receptacle 44. During extraction, the dialysis fluid may be pumped from the peritoneal cavity with the aid of pump 46.

In addition, catheter 30 a may also be inserted into the peritoneal cavity with associated use of access port 20 a to remove fluid from the peritoneal cavity which has accumulated therein. Such medical condition may be referred to as ascites, peritoneal cavity fluid, peritoneal fluid excess, hydroperitoneum and abdominal dropsy. Although most commonly due to cirrhosis (cirrhotic ascites), severe liver disease or metastatic cancer, its presence can portend other significant medical problems, such as Budd-Chiari syndrome. Removal of fluid may generally be in the range of 2-4 liters, however, it may be necessary to remove more than 5 liters during a single treatment.

Prior to the use of the access port 20 a of the present disclosure, in order to perform peritoneal dialysis or otherwise remove fluid from the peritoneal cavity, an incision has been created through the abdominal wall to the peritoneal cavity into which a peritoneal dialysis catheter having a length of approximately 12 inches is inserted. Approximately half the length of the catheter is placed inside the peritoneal cavity and the remaining six inches pass through the abdominal wall to exit the cavity beneath one side of the navel. The catheter is typically equipped with at least one dacron or felt cuff which surrounds the portion of the catheter located in the incision/subcutaneous passage formed in the abdominal wall. During healing of the incision, the patient's body tissue joins with the cuff, particularly within the interstices thereof, which may create an anchor for the catheter, as well as may provide an infection barrier. Nevertheless, use of the dacron or felt cuff has not been full proof in preventing infection at the exit site. It is believed that the present disclosure provides an alternative to use of the foregoing partially implanted catheter, and may reduce infection rates.

In addition, catheter 30 a may also be inserted into other cavities with associated use of access port 20 a to remove fluid from other cavities which has accumulated therein. For example, catheter 30 a may also be inserted into a pleural cavity with associated use of access port 20 a to remove fluid from a pleural cavity which has accumulated therein, i.e. thoracentesis.

The two pleural cavities, serous cavities of the human body, are lined by the pleura, which is a serous membrane. A pleural cavity may be understood as the potential space between the outer pleura (parietal pleura) and the inner pleura (visceral pleura).

Each pleural cavity contains pleural fluid which may more broadly understood to be serous fluid (or serosal fluid) which is secreted by the serous membrane covering normal pleurae. Pleural fluid is produced and reabsorbed continuously, however, excess fluid may accumulate in the pleural cavity, i.e. pleural effusion. This excess fluid may impair breathing by limiting the expansion of the lungs. Various kinds of pleural effusion, depending on the nature of the fluid and what caused its entry into the pleural space, are hydrothorax (serous fluid), hemothorax (blood), urinothorax (urine), chylothorax (chyle), or pyothorax (pus). Pneumothorax is the accumulation of air in the pleural space.

For example, catheter 30 a may also be inserted into a cranial (skull) cavity with associated use of access port 20 a to remove cerebrospinal fluid from the cranial cavity which has accumulated therein, particularly to treat external hydrocephalus, or from the ventricles of the brain, particularly to treat internal hydrocephalus.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an embodiment of the medical device 10 which operates in a same manner as the embodiment of FIG. 1a , with a needle 110 of the access port 20 b in a concealed (retracted) position relative to access port body 100 and the catheter 30 b in a blood vessel 68. The present embodiment has an access port body 100 which comprises an upper (cylindrical disc) body portion 100 a and a lower (cylindrical disc) body portion 110 b. As shown, the upper (cylindrical disc) body portion 100 a has a cross-sectional height which is less than the lower (cylindrical disc) body portion 110 b, while the diameter of the upper (cylindrical disc) body portion 100 a is greater than the lower (cylindrical disc) body portion 110 b. Also as shown, the upper (cylindrical disc) body portion 100 a is particularly configured to reside is the subcutaneous region 60 a of tissue 60, while the lower (cylindrical disc) body portion 110 b is configured to reside in the muscle tissue 60 b. Upon being inserted, the lower (cylindrical disc) body portion 110 b may provide a mounting keel to body 100 which holds the body 100 in the desired location and orientation.

Referring now to FIGS. 3a and 3b , there is shown another embodiment of a medical device 10 according to the present disclosure, which comprises implantable (subcutaneous), indwelling access port 20 c and an implantable (subcutaneous), indwelling catheter 30 c coupled to the access port 20 c. FIG. 3a shows the needle 110 of access port 20 c in the concealed (retracted) position relative to access port body 100, and FIG. 2b shows the needle 110 of access port 20 c in the exposed (extended) position relative to access port body 100. In contrast to the first embodiment, needle 110 is retracted and extended by an actuator 40 which comprises a mechanical actuator 180 rather than a magnetic actuator. Furthermore, the mechanical actuator 180 is completely incorporated with the access port 20 c.

The access port body 100 may again generally include a chamber 102 defined in the part and an external surface 104. The access port may include a bore 106 providing a tubular passage 108 connecting or providing fluid communication between the chamber 102 and the external surface 104 of the access port 20 c. A tubular passage 109 to accommodate the travel of the needle 110 may be provided between the chamber and an external surface of the port. Similar to the prior embodiment, the needle 110 may include a shaft 112, a lumen 113, a distal end portion 114, a proximal end portion 116 and a removable pointed tip 111, which is the same as the prior embodiment. Certain components similar to those shown in the first embodiment are not further discussed here or with other embodiments herein.

The mechanical actuator 180 may include a mechanical linkage. In one embodiment, a push button 182 may be mechanically affixed to a lever 184, which is affixed to the needle, by a first linkage 186. Upon pressing the button 182 inwards, the lever 184 may rotate around a pivot point and raise the needle 110 through the host's skin. Other linkages may be envisioned and are not limited to the linkage herein. Furthermore, a spring 188 may be provided, such as under the button 182, which raises (biases the inward movement of) the button 182 and thereby retract and withdraw the needle 110. Spring 188 may be a coil (helical) spring, torsion spring, conical spring, linear spring or any other suitable spring)

In other embodiments, as with the first embodiment, the needle 110 may be spring loaded, biasing the needle 110 into the retracted position. The button 182 may be directly pressed by a clinician or other person providing a fluid composition into the access port 20 c or removing a fluid composition from the access port 20 c. However, it may also be envisioned that the button may be pressed by pushing against it with a vial or other container including the composition to be provided to the host, or pressed by the external actuator.

Referring now to FIGS. 4a and 4b , there is shown another embodiment of a medical device 10 according to the present disclosure, which comprises implantable (subcutaneous), indwelling access port 20 d and an implantable (subcutaneous), indwelling catheter 30 d coupled to the access port 20 d. FIG. 4a shows the needle 110 of access port 20 d in the concealed (retracted) position relate to access port body 100, and FIG. 4b shows the needle 110 of access port 20 d in the exposed (extended) position relative to access port body 100. In contrast to the second embodiment, needle 110 is retracted and extended by an electro-mechanical actuator rather than a purely mechanical actuator.

As shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b , the access port 20 d may include a needle 110 that may be extended or retracted by an actuator that comprises an electrical/mechanical device. The access port body 100 may include a chamber 102 defined therein as well as a bore 106 providing a tubular passage 108 that extends from the chamber 102 to an exterior surface 104 of the access port 20 d, providing communication between the interior (chamber) of the access port 20 d and the external environment. In addition, the access port 20 d may include a passage 109, which may accommodate the needle 110 as it extends or retracts with respect to a surface 104 on the body 100 of the access port 20 d.

The access port 20 d may also include a motor or other electrical device 200 that may extend or retract the needle 110. Motor 200 may include linear piezoelectric or electromagnetic motors. In some embodiments, the motor 200 may be a piezoelectric micro-motor. The motor 200 may include a linear traveler, such as a shaft or translator. In some embodiments, the shaft or translator may interact with the needle 110 translating the needle 110 up and down relative to the port body 100. In other embodiments, the shaft or linear translator may be the needle 110, having a hollow cylinder defined therein.

In some embodiments, a computer processor 202 may be provided to power the motor 200 and control the direction of needle travel. The processor 202 and motor 200 may be powered by a power supply 204. The power supply 204 may communicate electrically either directly or indirectly with either the processor 202 and/or motor 200. For example, in some cases, the processor 202 may provide power to the motor 200 and in other cases a transformer may be provided either between the power supply 204 and processor 202 and/or between the power supply 202 and the motor 200.

The processor 202 may be actuated by an actuator. In some embodiments, a button 182 or other actuation device may be provided that, when depressed or otherwise activated, may send a signal to the processor 202 to actuate the needle 110. In certain embodiments, the access port 20 d may include a communication device 206 such as a receiver or transceiver, which may include a receiver. The communication device 206 may be configured to receive or transmit an electromagnetic indicator, such as electromagnetic waves or signals such as radio waves or optical waves, received from a wireless actuator.

For example, the communication device 206 may receive radio waves from an RFID (radio frequency identification) device. The RFID device may be integrated into a tag or card that when brought into proximity with the access port 20 d may activate the actuator (i.e., the processor) and cause the needle 110 to extend from the access port body 100. In other embodiments, the communication device 206 may detect or receive optical signals. Such signals may be in the range of 200 nm to 900 nm, including all values and increments therein, such as 200 nm to 400 nm (ultraviolet light), 380 nm to 750 nm (visible light), 750 nm to 1400 nm (infrared light). In some embodiments, the optical waves may exhibit a Fraunhofer wavelength, i.e., a wavelength not emitted by the sun, preventing accidental triggering of the device upon exposure to the sun. It may be appreciated that the radio or optical signals may be received or detected at a single wavelength or at multiple wavelengths, including 1 wavelength to 20 wavelengths and all values and increments therein. Other devices that may be used to cause the processor 202 to actuate the motor 200 may include wi-fi, Bluetooth or other transmitters or transceivers including transmitters, light. Furthermore, a light pen, or other light source may be an actuator for the processor 202 to actuate the motor 200.

The electromagnetic indicators may be provided by a transmitter or a transceiver that may include a transmitter in the actuator. The electromagnetic indicators may be pulsed or otherwise manipulated to provide directions or instructions. For example, the indicators may signal for the processor 202 to extend the needle 110 or retract the needle 110. In other embodiments, the indicators may provide an identifier to prevent cross-talk between devices or prevent accidental extension or retraction of the needle 110. The actuator may also include a processor for regulating the signals from the transmitter, which may be in electrical communication with the processor 202.

Referring now to FIG. 4c , the needle 110 of indwelling access port 20 d may be made flexible along its length such that shaft 112 of the needle 110 may be wound in a spiral and unwound from the spiral configuration, similar to wire being unwound from a spindle. The shaft 112 of the needle may be made flexible by providing as an outer closely wound helix (e.g. such as in a Bowden cable) which is wrapped around a flexible inner (plastic) tube, which would make the shaft fluid tight. Making the shaft 112 formable into a spiral may be expected to reduce the overall height of the access port 20 d, making it easier to implant and conceal in the body. The needle may be wound and unwound from the spindle using motor 200.

Accordingly, it may be appreciated that a system may be provided including the access port 20 and an actuator 40. An embodiment of such a system is illustrated in the schematic diagram of FIG. 5, wherein an actuator 40 may emit various electromagnetic signals or waves. Upon receiving the electromagnetic waves, the communication device 206 may convert the waves into electrical pulses that may be communicated to the processor 202. Depending on the signals received, the processor 202 may perform a number of functions. In some embodiments, the processor 202 may actuate the motor 200 to extend or retract the needle 110. In other embodiments, the processor 202 may identify the received signals as being indentifying information that correlates the actuator 40 with the access port 20. The processor 202 may compare the indentifying information with a lookup table or identifying information stored in a memory device 210. If the identifying information is correct, then the processor 202 may employ any commands that may be received from that device to extend or retract the needle 110. It may be appreciated that identifying information may be transmitted a single time or multiple times, such as with each command. Upon receiving a signal to actuate the motor 200, i.e., extend or retract the needle 110, the processor 202 may send an electrical signal to the motor 200 or provide power to the motor 200 from the power supply 204 such that the motor 200 will displace the linear traveler, extending or retracting the needle 110.

Returning again to FIGS. 4a and 4b , the body 100 may include a number of seals that may isolate the chamber and the interior of the needle 110. For example, a first seal or set of seals 136 may be provided where the needle 110 extends into the chamber 102. The seal 136 may prevent the fluid composition being injected into the access port 20 d from flowing back into the passage 109. In certain embodiments, a self-closing seal 132 may be provided at the surface 104 of the body 100. The needle 110 may penetrate the self-closing seal 132 when extended and the self-closing seal 132 may prevent fluids or other contaminants from entering the access port 20 d. In addition, the self-closing seal 132 may be formed from a self healing composition, such as silicone or natural rubber. In certain embodiments, another seal 133 (e.g. O-ring) may be provided near the surface 104 of the body 100, wherein the seal 133, like the septum, may prevent fluids or other contaminants from entering the access port 20 d.

The port 20 d may also include a connector 146, which may connect to the bore 106 which provides the tubular passage 108 leading into the chamber 102 with a catheter body 144 of catheter 30 d. The connector 146 may include barbs 146 a or other mechanical interlocks to retain the catheter body 144 on the port 20 d. However, it may be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the catheter 20 d may be removed from the connector 146. In other embodiments, the catheter 20 d may be welded to the port, permanently affixing the catheter to the port.

In addition, as illustrated in the embodiments above, the chamber 102 may be defined to assume different geometries. Accordingly, rather than assuming the geometry of a rather rectangular reservoir, the chamber 102 may assume the shape of an ellipse, oval, circle, shaft or other geometric configurations. In addition, while the needle 110 is illustrated as being positioned on a stopper 130 in the retracted position, it may be appreciated that the needle 110 need not return against another object or may return against a wall of the chamber 102.

Furthermore, with reference to FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b , it may be appreciated that the bore 106/fluid passage 108 may include a seal 137. The seal 137 may allow for fluids to pass out of the bore 106/passage 108 from the chamber 102 and into the connector 146 and/or catheter 30 d. However, in some embodiments, the seal 137 may prevent backflow from the connector 146 and/or catheter 30 d. For example, in one embodiment, the seal 137 may include a duckbill valve.

Referring now to FIGS. 6a and 6b , there is shown another embodiment of the medical device 10 of the present disclosure, which comprises access port 20 e and catheter 30 e. FIG. 6a shows the needle 110 of access port 20 e in the concealed (retracted) position relative to access port body 100, and FIG. 6b shows the needle 110 of access port 20 e in the exposed (extended) position relative to access port body 100.

As shown, at least a portion of the access port body 100 may move relative to the needle 110, such that the needle 110 may be fixed with regard to the chamber 102 but the self-closing seal 132 may move relative to the needle 110. The body 100 may therefore compress (collapse), exposing the needle 110 or decompress (expand) to cover and conceal the needle 110. In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b , the body 100 may include a first portion 250 and a second portion 252. More particularly, first portion 250 is provided by a first body member and second portion 252 is provided by a second body member.

To locate the first portion 250 of the body 100 relative to the second portion 252 of the body 100, the first portion 250 of the body 100 may include a first wall 254 extending from the upper main segment 256 of the first portion 250 of the body 100. In addition, the second portion 252 of the body 100 may include a second wall 260 and a support member 262. The first wall 254 may be received in a sliding manner between the second wall 260 and the support member 262.

The first portion 250 may also include one or more tabbed latches 264 also extending from the upper main segment 256 of the first portion 250 around the periphery of the body 100, which may hold the body 100 in a first decompressed (expanded) position as illustrated in FIG. 6a . The tabbed latch 264 may be received in a recess 266 provided by a support member 262 found in the second portion 252 of the body 100. When the access port body 100 is held in the first decompressed (expanded) position, the needle 110 may be completely or substantially contained within the access port body 100.

When compressed (collapsed), through the application of force on the body 100, the needle 110 which may be held in a fixed position relative to the second portion 252 of the body 100 may perforate and extend through the self-closing seal 132, as illustrated in FIG. 6b . In addition, the first wall 254 of the first portion 250 may slide towards the lower main segment 268 of the second portion 252 between the second wall 260 and the support member 262. The body 100 may be maintained in a collapsed positioned through continuous application of pressure. A spring 124 may also be provided which may raise the first portion 250 of the body 100 back to the first decompressed (expanded) position as illustrated in FIG. 6 a.

A chamber 102 may be provided within the access port body 100 and mounted to or provided within, for example, the second portion of the body 252. In some embodiments, the needle 110 may be fixedly mounted to the chamber 102. While it is illustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6b that the needle 110 may extend into the chamber 102, the needle 110 may also be provided flush with the chamber 102. In some embodiments, the needle 110 may be integrated into the chamber 102 or access port body 100. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the needle 110 may include threads or another mechanical interlock allowing for the needle 110 to be removed from either the chamber 102 or access port body 100 for replacement.

Referring now to FIGS. 7a and 7b , there is shown another embodiment of the medical device 10 of the present disclosure, which comprises access port 20 f and catheter 30 f. FIG. 7a shows the needle 110 of access port 20 f in the concealed (retracted) position relative to access port body 100, and FIG. 7b shows the needle 110 of access port 20 f in the exposed (extended) position relative to access port body 100.

As shown the first and second portions 250, 252 of the access port body 100 may be extended or retracted by an actuator that includes an electrical/mechanical device. The access port 20 f may include a motor or other electrical device 200 that may decompress (expand) or compress (collapse) the body 100. In some examples, the motor 200 may include a piezoelectric micro-motor. The motor 200 may include a linear traveler 270, such as a shaft or a translator that may interact with a cylinder 272 provided in the body 100, moving the body halves 250, 252 relative to each other. It may be appreciated that the cylinder 272 need not be a tube having a complete wall, for example, slots may be provided in the wall. The linear traveler 270 may include, for example, a set of external threads, which may interact with a set of internal threads provided on the cylinder 272.

As the linear traveler rotates, the cylinder 272 and one of the portions, to which the cylinder 272 is mounted may move relative to the other portion. When linear traveler rotates in one direction, the body 100 may compress (collapse), wherein the needle 110 may pass through the self-closing seal 132 and may be exposed. When the traveler rotates in the other direction, the body 100 may decompress (expand), wherein the needle 110 may be pulled back through the self-closing seal 132 and covered. As illustrated, the motor 200 is mounted with the second portion 252 and the cylinder 272 to the first portion 250, but it may be appreciated that opposite situation where the motor 200 is mounted to the first portion 250 and the cylinder 272 is mounted to the second portion 252 may be provided as well. The motor 200 may be actuated by an actuator, such as a “button” or by another device, such as a wireless device as described above. Again, in one embodiment, to locate the first portion 250 of the body 100 relative to the second portion 252 of the body 100, the first portion 250 of the body 100 may include a first wall 254 extending from the upper main segment 256 of the first portion 250 of the body 100. In addition, the second portion 252 of the body 100 may include a second wall 260 and a support member 262. The first wall 254 may be received in a sliding manner between the second wall 260 and the support member 262.

As noted earlier, the needle 110 may be positioned within the access port body 100 in a moving relationship to the chamber 102 or in a fixed relationship to the chamber 102. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8a and 8b , a needle 110 may be provided in moving relationship to the chamber 102. The needle 110 may include a latching mechanism to keep the needle 110 from moving relative to the chamber 102 and may be activated by an actuator. Upon actuation, the needle 110 may be lifted out of the access port body 100 (such as by the action of a magnet) and retained in the open position by a spring loaded cam 125. The needle 110 may be held by a spring 124 in the closed or retracted position, keeping the needle 110 from slipping out of the access port. In other embodiments, such as illustrated in FIGS. 4a and 4b , the linear traveler provided in the motor 200 may include teeth or threads that may hold the needle 110 in place.

Referring now to FIGS. 9a-9i , there is shown another embodiment of a medical device 10 according to the present disclosure, which comprises implantable (subcutaneous), indwelling access port 20 h and at least one implantable (subcutaneous), indwelling catheter 30 h coupled to the access port 20 h. More particularly, access port 20 h is shown coupled with two catheters 30 h.

As shown, the access port 20 h includes at least one pointed, closed tip, hollow needle 110, and more particularly two needles 110 contained and housed within a chamber (cavity) 102 within access port body 100, with each one of the needles 110 in fluid communication with a catheter 30 h, which may be part of a extracorporeal circuit. As shown in FIG. 9a , the needles 110 are in a concealed (retracted) concealed position relative to access port body 100, and each includes a pointed, removable tip 111 removably coupled to a distal end 114 of the needle shaft 112, which closes the distal end of shaft lumen 113. As shown in FIG. 9b , each needle 110 is in an exposed (extended) position relative to the access port body 100, and the removable tip 111 has been removed to expose lumen 113.

Similar to access port 20 e, while each needle 110 of access port 20 h may be stationary/fixed, at least a portion of the access port body 100, including the self-closing seal (e.g. self-healing septum) 132, may move relative to each needle 110. In order to expose each needle 110, also similar to access port 20 e, access port body 100 may compress in response to a force applied to the access port body 100 from outside the host's body (above the skin). Alternatively, the access port body 100 may decompress and conceal each needle 110 in response to the force being removed.

Also similar to access port 20 e, access port body 100 may comprise a first body member 250 and a second body member 252. However, rather than the first body member 250 and the second body member 252 sliding relative to one another to expose and conceal each of needles 110 as with access port 20 e, compression and decompression of the access port body 100 is accomplished by elastically deforming an upper wall portion 251 of the first body member 250 along a length of each needle 110 towards the second body member 252. As such, first body member 250 may be formed of a flexible plastic elastomer.

As used herein, an elastomer may be characterized as a material that has an elongation at 23° C. of at least 100%, and which, after being stretched to twice its original length and being held at such for one minute, may recover in a range of 50% to 100% within one minute after release from the stress. More particularly, the elastomer may recover in a range of 75% to 100% within one minute after release from the stress, and even more particularly recover in a range of 90% to 100% within one minute after release from the stress.

The elastomer may be comprised of any polymer, including natural or synthetic polymers, and thermoplastic or thermoset polymers. Thus, the elastomer may be either a natural or synthetic elastomer. The elastomer may comprise, essentially consist of or consist of natural or synthetic rubber, which may include, acrylic rubber, butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene rubber diene monomer rubber, fluorocarbon rubber, isoprene rubber, nitrile rubber including hydrogenated nitrile rubber, polyurethane rubber, silicone rubber and styrene block copolymer (e.g. styrene butadiene rubber, styrene ethylene/butylene styrene rubber).

In addition, access port body 100 may include a spring 124, which may be located between the needles 110. When access port body 100 is compressed, through the application of force to the first body member 250 from outside the host's body (above the skin), with a force which is significant enough to overcome the bias force of spring 124, portion 251 of the first body member 250 deforms inward along a length of each needle 110 towards the second body member 252. Upon such compression, each needle 110 may extend through each self-closing seal 132 to be exposed from within access port body 100, and spring 124 will compress. When access port body 100 is decompressed, through the removal of the force to the first body member 250 from outside the host's body, the bias (decompression) force of the spring 124 will force portion 251 of the first body member 250 to deform outward along a length of each needle 110 away from the second body member 252. Upon such decompression, each needle 110 may retract through each self-closing seal 132 to be concealed within the access port body 100, and spring 124 will decompress.

With the dual needle and catheter arrangement of access port 20 h, the access port 20 h may be used for hemodialysis, with one needle 110/catheter 30 h coupled (in fluid communication) between an artery of the host and a dialyzer, and the other needle 110/catheter 30 h coupled (in fluid communication) between a vein of the host and a dialyzer.

After a fluid infusion treatment and/or a fluid extraction treatment, any of the access ports and catheters disclosed herein, collectively access port 20 and catheter 30, may be flushed with saline and locked with an antimicrobial and/or an anticoagulant locking fluid, which may be referred to as a catheter lock, to inhibit development of clots and microorganisms within the port 20 or the catheter 30.

For the purposes of the present disclosure, the process of “locking” should be understood as filling the access port 20 and/or catheter 30 with a locking fluid that is an anticoagulant and/or an antimicrobial, followed by retaining the locking fluid in the access port 20 and/or catheter 30 until the access port 20 and/or catheter 30 is used again for a fluid infusion treatment and/or a fluid extraction treatment, at which time the locking fluid may be withdrawn from the access port 20 and/or catheter 30, such as with a syringe. The access port 20 and/or catheter 30 should be locked with a volume of locking fluid which approximates the internal volume of the access port passage and the catheter lumen. The locking fluid may be constrained in the lumen 145 of catheter 30 h by a valve 290 (e.g. one-way or two-way) located at the distal end of the catheter 30 h (see FIG. 9g ). The valve 290 may also prevent introduction of air into the blood stream of the patient and a subsequent air embolism. While the valve 290 may be shown located in the catheter 30 h, the valve may be located in the access port 20 h, particularly within one or both of needles 110, or any other portion of the flow passage.

Examples of antimicrobial compositions include taurolidine and/or taurinamide and taurinamide derivatives.

Examples of anticoagulant compositions include heparin, citrate salts, citric acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic (EDTA) acid, enoxaparin sodium, coumarin, indanedione derivative, anisindione, warfarin protamine sulfate, streptokinase and urokinase)

The locking fluid may be a Newtonian fluid or a non-Newtonian fluid, and may further be a gel, such as a thixotropic gel and more particularly a hydrogel.

Accordingly, a method of injecting a fluid (liquid) composition into a host may be provided using the access port described herein. As alluded to above, a composition may include pharmaceutical products, therapeutic drugs, bodily fluid, nutrients, contrasting agents, dialysis fluid and other fluids. Furthermore, a host (e.g. patent or other subject) may include any vertebrate or invertebrate, including humans, other mammals, ayes, reptiles, etc. An access port may be implanted into the host and the catheter may be inserted into a vein. The needle may be exposed (extended) from the port upon actuation and may puncture the skin. A composition may be introduced to the host by either injecting the composition into the needle or otherwise introducing the needle into a container, such as through a vial stopper. Once administration of the composition is finished, the needle may be concealed (retracted) or otherwise positioned back through the skin and into the port.

In another example of a method of delivering a composition utilizing a vascular access port contemplated herein, a receiver may receive or otherwise detect a first electromagnetic indicator from a transmitter, such as an actuator. The indictor may be processed by the receiver to provide an electrical signal to a processor in electrical communication with the receiver. A motor may be activated by the processor once it receives a signal to activate the motor and the motor may extend or retract the needle with respect to the body of the vascular access port or the motor may collapse or expand the vascular access port with respect to the needle.

In addition, as may be appreciated herein, the actuator may be provided in direct or indirect communication with the needle and is configured to either move the needle relative to the access port body or move the access port body relative to the needle. Communication may be electrical and/or mechanical, such as that provided by magnetic fields, electrical signals, mechanical linkages or forces, provided by levers, springs, etc. Furthermore, in instances where the body may move relative to the needle, communication may be considered indirect. It may also be appreciated that the actuator may be located outside of the housing body, located at least partially within the housing body or located completely within the housing body.

In other embodiments of the present disclosure, an indwelling access port 20, such as indwelling access port 20 h, disclosed herein may also be used during a hemodialysis and/or hemofiltration procedure. As shown in FIG. 9c , each of needles 110 may be coupled to fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus 42 (which may be understood to be part of medical device 10), such as a dialysis apparatus 45, by hollow tubular fluid infusion and/or extraction member 47, such as a cylindrical tubing segment. As shown, the shaft 112 of each needle 110 may be configured to mate with tubular fluid infusion and/or extraction member 47, particularly with the outer diameter of the shaft 112 approximating the inner diameter of the lumen 48 of the tubular fluid infusion and/or extraction member 47. With the extracorporeal circuit as shown, extracorporeal separation of blood may be performed by blood flowing from the host 58 through indwelling catheter 30 h, needle 110, and tubular fluid infusion and/or extraction member 47 and into to fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus 42 where it is treated, particularly by removing waste products such as creatinine, urea and free water from the blood. Thereafter, the cleaned blood is returned to the host 58 by flowing through the other tubular fluid infusion and/or extraction member 47, the other needle 110 and indwelling catheter 30 h. Blood flow in either direction may be assisted by pump 46 of the fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus 45.

Medical device 10, including indwelling access port 20, may comprise a closed system (drug) transfer device. A closed system (drug) transfer device may be understood as a (drug) transfer device that inhibits a transfer of environmental contaminants into a system and an escape of hazardous drug or vapor concentrations outside the system.

Referring now to FIGS. 9d-9f , in certain embodiments of indwelling access port 20, such as indwelling access port 20 h, the distal end portion 114 of each lumen 113 of each needle 110 may include a self-closing seal 280 such as a “self healing” silicone septum, which may be accessed upon removal of the needle tip 114. Similar to the prior embodiment, each of needles 110 may be coupled to fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus 42 (which may be understood to be part of medical device 10), such as a dialysis apparatus 45, by tubular fluid infusion and/or extraction member 47. As shown, the shaft 112 of each needle 110 may be configured to mate with tubular fluid infusion and/or extraction member 47, particularly with the outer diameter of the shaft 112 approximating the inner diameter of the lumen 48 of the hollow tubing 47.

As shown, a distal end portion of each lumen 48 of each tubular fluid infusion and/or extraction member 47 may include a self-closing seal 49 such as a “self healing” silicone septum. Furthermore, each lumen 48 may contain a pointed tip (hypodermic) needle 50 for delivery of fluid from fluid source 43 to host 58 and/or extraction of fluid from host 58 to fluid receptacle 44.

During operation, the distal end portion 114 of needle shaft 112 is received into the distal end portion of lumen 48 of tubular fluid infusion and/or extraction member 47 such that a seal is formed between self closing seals 280 and 49. In the foregoing manner, a closed system transfer device is formed between access port 20 h and fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus 42.

As shown in FIG. 9f , pointed open tip hollow needles 50 may be extended through self-closing seals 280 and 49 after the two self-closing seals 280 and 49 have made contact with each other to form an extracorporeal circuit.

In certain embodiments, it may become desirable to clean indwelling catheter 30, such as indwelling catheter 30 h to remove a build-up (e.g. of coagulum, fibrin or other biological materials). Referring now to FIGS. 9g-9i , there is shown fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus 42 may further comprise a cleaning apparatus 74. Cleaning apparatus 74 may comprise a multi-lumen catheter 75 which comprises a catheter body 76, having a fluid infusion lumen 77 a, a fluid extraction lumen 77 b and a centrally disposed drive lumen 77 c which contains a cylindrical flexible rotatable drive shaft 78 to rotate cleaning head 79.

During operation, rotating drive 80 of cleaning apparatus 74 may rotate flexible drive shaft 78 which in turn rotates cleaning head 79, which may comprise a brush. Cleaning head 79 may then remove biological materials from the inside of lumen 145 of catheter body 144 by rotating against the inner surface 147 of catheter body 144 which defines lumen 145. Cleaning head may also be used to clean the lumen 113 of needle 110 of access port 20 h, as well as any other portion of the fluid flow passage.

Before, during or after use of cleaning head 79, fluid from fluid source 43 may flow through fluid infusion lumen 77 a and into lumen 145 of catheter 30 h to flush the cleaning site. The fluid may be delivered with the aid of pump 46, which may comprise a peristaltic pump.

The fluid may be constrained in the lumen 145 of catheter 30 h by a valve 148 located at the distal end of the catheter 30 h, such as a one-way valve (e.g. duckbill valve) or a two-way valve. The valve 148 may also prevent introduction of air into the blood stream of the patient and a subsequent air embolism.

The fluid may be extracted from the lumen 145 of catheter 30 h through fluid extraction lumen 77 b to fluid receptacle 44. Fluid extraction may take place simultaneous with fluid delivery, or after fluid delivery has stopped, or intermittently alternating between repeated fluid delivery and repeated fluid extraction. Fluid extraction may be assisted by pump 46 and/or a vacuum 52 and/or gravity.

The fluid used for cleaning access port 20 h and catheter 30 h may be normal (physiologic) saline. Also, it should be understood that the method of infusing the fluid passage of access port 20 h and catheter 30 h with fluid via catheter 75, as well as extracting fluid from the fluid passage of access port 20 h and catheter 30 h with catheter 75, may be similarly used to infuse and extract the locking fluid from the access port 20 h and catheter 30 h.

Referring now to FIGS. 10a-10f , there is shown another embodiment of a medical device 10 according to the present disclosure, which comprises implantable (subcutaneous), indwelling access port 20 i and at least one implantable (subcutaneous), indwelling catheter 30 i coupled to the access port 20 i. More particularly, access port 20 i is shown coupled with two catheters 30 i.

Similar to the prior embodiment, medical device 10, including indwelling access port 20 i, may comprise a closed system (drug) transfer device. However, in contrast to the prior embodiment, the closed system of the present embodiment is created in a different manner.

With the prior embodiment of FIGS. 9d-9f , fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus 42 is coupled with the needles 110 after the needles 110 have pierced through tissue 60. Moreover, the removable needle tips 111 are also removed before fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus 42 is coupled with the needles 110. Such may be accomplished, at least in part, by the presence of self-closing seals 280 within the needles 110. However, in the present embodiment, self-closing seals 280 have been eliminated.

Referring now to FIG. 10a , in order to provide a closed system, fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus 42 comprises an elongated tubular (cylindrical) housing member 51. At the end of the tubular housing is located a round disc shaped self-closing seal (e.g. self-healing septum) 53.

Within tubular housing member 51 are located needle tip holders 54, which are configured to removably hold the needle tips 111 during an installation of the needle tips 111 on the needle shafts 112, or removal of the needle tips 111 from the needle shafts 112, particularly when the screw threads of the needle shafts 112 and screw threads of needle tips 111 are disengaged during installation or removal of needle tips 111. In at least one embodiment, the needle tip holders 54 may be located at the distal end of needle tip (tubular) support members 56.

Needle tip holders 54 may comprise needle tip receptacles 54 a, which be configured to hold needle tips 111 within a mating portion 54 b thereof in a variety of ways. In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the needle tip holders 54, and more particularly the mating portions 54 b of the needle tip receptacles 54 a, may form a friction fit (which also may be known as an interference fit or pressure grip fit) connection with the needle tips 111. A friction fit connection may be understood herein as a connection formed between two components which solely relies upon friction to inhibit separation of the components, for example by one of the components being pressed into the other component such that at least one of the components is compressed (deformed) against one another.

In order to provide a friction fit connection, a portion of the needle tip receptacles 54 a, and more particularly the mating portions 54 b, may be formed with a smaller dimension than the mating portion of the needle tips 111 to form the friction fit connection. In such instance, needle tip holders 54, and more particularly the mating portions 54 b of needle tip receptacles 54 a may be formed of an elastically compressible/deformable material, such as rubber, which may deform (as to enlarge) when the needle tips 111 are located therein to hold the needle tips 111.

Alternatively, or in combination with a friction fit connection, the needle tip holders 54 may retain needle tips 111 with a positive mechanical connection. A positive mechanical engagement connection may be understood herein as a connection formed between the components which does not rely solely on friction to inhibit separation of the components and which includes a mechanical interlock to inhibit separation of the components (e.g. overlapping surfaces).

In such instance, needle tip holders 54 may again be formed of an elastically compressible/deformable material, such as rubber. In addition, a distal end of the needle tip holders 54 may be provided with an elastically compressible/deformable annular ring 54 c, which deforms outward when needle tips 111 are being inserted into and removed from needle tip receptacles 54 a. The positive mechanical connection may be formed when the needle tips 111 are fully seated in the needle tip receptacles 54 a and the elastically compressible/deformable annular rings 54 c may return to their initial (pre-deformation) orientation, which mechanically holds the needle tips 111 in the needle tip receptacles 54 a.

Alternatively, or in combination with at least one or both of the above, needle tip holders 54 may be formed of a material which is porous to vacuum drawn through the lumens of needle tip holder (tubular) support members 56 from vacuum 52 such that the needle tips 111 may be removably retained in the needle tip holders 54 by vacuum force.

Alternatively, or in combination of at least one or all of the above, needle tip holders 54 may be formed of a material which is magnetic such that the needle tips 111, which may be made of a ferromagnetic material, may be removably retained in the needle tip holders 54 by magnetic force.

As set forth herein, needle tips 111 and needle shafts 112 may be joined by threaded engagement. In order to help facilitate engagement and disengagement of the threads, needle tip holder (tubular) support members 56 form part of a rotational driver which may rotate the needle tip holder (tubular) support members 56/tip holders 54 in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction which, when coupled to needle tips 111, may correspondingly rotate the needle tips 111 to install or remove the needle tips 111, respectively.

Moreover, as best shown in FIGS. 10a and 10c , the internal sidewall of the mating portions 54 b of the needle tip receptacles 54 a and the external sidewall of mating portion 111 b of the needle tips 911 may each comprise a plurality of planar mating sections 54 d and 111 d, respectively. The plurality of the planar sections 111 d of the mating portion 111 b of the needle tips 911 may be arranged around a periphery of mating portion 111 b to form a polygonal shape. As shown, the plurality of the planar sections 111 d of the mating portion 111 b of the needle tips 111 may more particularly form a six-sided (male) polygon, i.e. a hexagon. Similarly, the plurality of the planar sections 54 d of the mating portion 54 b of the needle tip receptacles 54 a may more particularly form a six-sided (female) polygon, i.e. hexagon, which may also be referred to as a socket.

Once the needle tip holders 54 couple with the needle tips 111, the rotational driver for each needle tip holder (tubular) support members 56/tip holders 54 may be rotated counter-clockwise to remove needle tips 111 from shafts 112. As shown in FIG. 10d , once the needle tips 111 disengage from the shafts 112, the needle tip holder (tubular) support members 56/tip holders 54 may be retracted away from the shaft 112.

At this time, as shown by FIGS. 10b , the two needle tip holder (tubular) support members 56/tip holders 54 and the two tubular fluid infusion and/or extraction members 47 may be rotated approximately 90 degrees (e.g. clockwise) such that the two tubular fluid infusion and/or extraction members 47 are aligned with the needle shafts 112 as shown in FIGS. 10e and 10f . As shown by FIG. 10g , the two tubular fluid infusion and/or extraction members 47 may then be extended such that the two needles 110 pass or extend through self-closing seals 49 and into lumens 48 of the tubular fluid infusion and/or extraction members 47 to form an extracorporeal circuit.

Once fluid infusion and/or extraction is complete, the two tubular fluid infusion and/or extraction members 47 may then be retracted. As shown by FIG. 10f , the two needle tip holder (tubular) support members 56/tip holders 54 and the two tubular fluid infusion and/or extraction members 47 may be rotated approximately 90 degrees (e.g. counter-clockwise) such that the two needle tip holder (tubular) support members 56/tip holders 54 are realigned with the needle shafts 912 as shown in FIG. 10c . The two needle tip holder (tubular) support members 56/tip holders 54 may then be extended as shown in FIG. 10c . The rotational driver for each needle tip holder (tubular) support members 56/tip holders 54 may be rotated clockwise to engage the screw threads and install needle tips 111 to shafts 112. Thereafter, the two needle tip holder (tubular) support members 56/tip holders 54 may be retracted, and the fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus 42 may be subsequently removed.

Referring now to FIGS. 11a-11d , there is shown another embodiment of a medical device 10 according to the present disclosure, which comprises implantable (subcutaneous), indwelling access port 20 j and at least one implantable (subcutaneous), indwelling catheter 30 j coupled to the access port 20 j. More particularly, access port 20 j is shown coupled with two catheters 30 j.

Similar to the prior embodiments, medical device 10, including indwelling access port 20 j, may comprise a closed system (drug) transfer device. However, in contrast to the prior embodiments, the closed system of the present embodiment is created in a different manner, particularly with needles 110 have a pointed open tip 111 rather than a pointed closed tip. Further, since the pointed open tip is formed unitary (as one piece) with the needle shaft 112. As such the needle tip 111 is permanent and not removable.

Referring now to FIGS. 11e and 11d , fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus 42 comprises an outer tubular housing member 51 which contains hollow tubing 47. As shown, similar to the prior embodiment, a distal end portion of each lumen 48 of each hollow tubing 47 may include a self-closing seal 49 such as a “self healing” silicone septum. Furthermore, The distal end of tubular housing member 51 includes an annular sealing element 53.

As shown in FIG. 11c , prior to extension of needles 110 through the tissue (skin) surface 62, annular sealing element 53 seals against the skin surface to provide a closed system, a system in which environmental contaminants are inhibited from entering the system and hazardous drug or vapor concentrations are inhibited from escaping from the system.

As shown in FIG. 11d , when fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus 42 is pushed down on tissue 60, the surface 62 of tissue 60 deforms inward and the elastically deforming a portion 251 of the first body member 250 is compressed such that needles 110 extend through the tissue (skin) surface 62, penetrate self-closing seals 49, and enter lumens 48 of each hollow tubing 47 to form an extracorporeal circuit.

Referring now to FIGS. 12a-12b , there is shown another embodiment of a medical device 10 according to the present disclosure, which comprises implantable (subcutaneous), indwelling access port 20 k. While an indwelling catheter may be coupled to the indwelling access port 20 k in a manner similar to prior embodiments, the catheter is not shown.

Similar to prior embodiments, medical device 10 including indwelling access port 20 k, may comprise a closed system (drug) transfer device. However, in contrast to the prior embodiments, the closed system of the present embodiment is created in a different manner, particularly with indwelling access port 20 k only having a single needle 110.

Fluid infusion and/or extraction apparatus 42 comprises a multi-port housing 82 having a first port 83, a second port 84 and a third port 85. First port 83 may be referred to as a fluid infusion and/or fluid extraction port, while the second port 84 may be referred to as a needle tip removal and/or installation port, and the third port 85 may be referred to as a needle holding port. All three ports 83, 84, 85 are in fluid communication via the segments of a Y-shaped (tubular) passage 85 within the housing 82.

During operation, needle 110 is received by needle holding port 85 and into passage 86. Multi-port housing 82 may include a self-closing seal 49 which seals against the shaft 112 of needle 110. Multi-port housing 82 may further comprises stabilizing ring 87, particularly in the form of an annular ring, which surrounds the needle holding port 85, and configured to overlie and rest on the surface 62 of tissue 60. Stabilizing ring 87 may be surrounded by a rotatable collar 88 which co-operates with the stabilizing ring 87 to clamp down on the needle shaft 112 in a known manner, particularly by rotating clockwise to grasp the needle shaft 112 and rotating counter-clockwise to release the needle shaft 112.

Needle tip 111 may be removed from the needle shaft 112 by extending first needle tip holder support member 56 from needle tip removal and/or installation port 84 within passage 86 towards the needle tip 111 such that needle tip holder 54 couples with the needle tip 111. Once needle tip holder 54 couples with the needle tip 111, the needle tip 111 may be removed from the needle shaft 112 in a manner as previously described (e.g. counter-clockwise rotation, pulling force, etc.). Once the needle tip 111 disengages from the shaft 112, the needle tip holder support member 56/tip holder 54 may be retracted away from the shaft 112 and back to the entrance of the needle tip removal and/or installation port 84 as shown in FIG. 12 b.

Thereafter, once needle lumen 113 is exposed, a treatment fluid may be delivered from fluid source 43 (e.g. drug delivery for a chemotherapy procedure) coupled to fluid infusion and/or fluid extraction port 83 and/or extracted from host 58 to fluid receptacle 44 (e.g. phlebotomy procedure) coupled to fluid infusion and/or fluid extraction port 83. As shown, fluid source 43 may be a syringe, or an intravenous (IV) bag.

After a fluid infusion treatment and/or a fluid extraction treatment, access port 20 k and catheter 30, may be flushed with saline and locked with an antimicrobial and/or an anticoagulant locking fluid, which may be referred to as a catheter lock, to inhibit development of clots and microorganisms within the port 20 k or the catheter 30.

Thereafter, the first (original) needle tip 111 may be replaced by once again extending first needle tip holder support member 56 from needle tip removal and/or installation port 84 within passage 86 towards the needle tip 111. The needle tip 111 may then engage with the needle shaft 112 in a manner as previously described (e.g. clockwise rotation, pushing force, etc.). Once the needle tip 111 engages with the shaft 112, the needle tip holder support member 56/tip holder 54 may be retracted away from the shaft 112 and back to the entrance of the needle tip removal and/or installation port 84 as shown in FIG. 12 b.

Alternatively, rather than reinstalling the original needle tip 111, a new sterilized needle tip 111 may be installed on needle shaft 112. As shown, multi-port housing 82 may further comprise a second needle tip holder 54 to hold the new sterilized needle tip 111. In order to align the new sterilized needle tip 111 with needle tip removal and/or installation port 84, the needle tip holders 54 for both needle tips 111, original and new, may be retained on a circular rotatable positioning member 90 disposed in a circular recess 91 of a platform member 92 which overlies the needle tip removal and/or installation port 84. The needle tip holder 54 containing the new needle tip 111 may then be rotated on the circular rotatable positioning member 90 disposed in the circular recess 91 of the platform member 92 in the approximately 180 degrees such that the original (used) needle tip 111 switches position with the new, sterilized needle tip 111 and the new, sterilized needle tip 111 is now aligned with the needle tip removal and/or installation port 84. The second needle tip holders 54 may then be operated in the same manner as the first needle tip holder 54 to engage the needle tip 111 with the needle shaft 112.

In other embodiments of the present disclosure, an indwelling access port 20, such as indwelling access port 20 a, disclosed herein may also be used during a chemotherapy procedure. During a chemotherapy procedure, fluid source 32 may comprise one or more chemotherapeutic agents which are administered through the indwelling access port 20 a to the host 58, with the aid of pump 46.

In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the indwelling access ports 20 and indwelling catheters 30 disclosed herein may also be used during an apheresis procedure. Apheresis may generally be understood as procedure in which blood of a host (e.g. patient, donor) is removed from the host, passed through an apheresis apparatus with separates out at least one component from the blood and then returns the remainder of the blood to the circulation of the host. An access port with one needle or two needles may be utilized depending on the type of apheresis procedure. For example, an access port with two needles (e.g. 20 h) may be suitable for an apheresis procedure which makes use of continuous flow centrifugation (CFC), which ordinarily requires two venipunctures provided by two separate needles. As such, rather than the two needles each being directly inserted into a venous blood vessel, the distal ends of two indwelling catheters coupled to the indwelling access port, and more particularly needle as shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b , may each be inserted directly into a venous blood vessel.

Continuous flow centrifugation (CFC) may be understood to involved simultaneously collecting the blood from the host, spinning/processing the blood in a centrifuge to separate the components of the blood and remove one or more components from the blood and returning the unused component of the blood to the host without the component(s) which have been removed.

Alternatively, an access port with one needle may be suitable for an apheresis procedure which makes use of intermittent flow centrifugation (IFC), which ordinarily requires one venipuncture. In contrast to continuous flow centrifugation (CFC), intermittent flow centrifugation (IFC) works in cycles, i.e. collecting blood from the host, spinning/processing the blood in a centrifuge to separate the components of the blood and remove one or more components from the blood, and then returning the unused components of the blood to the host without the component(s) which have been removed in a bolus.

The apheresis may more particularly comprise plasmapheresis (separation and removal of plasma from blood); erythrocytapheresis (for separation and removal of erythrocytes (red blood cells) from blood); plateletpheresis (for separation and removal of blood platelets, while returning red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and plasma); and leukapheresis (for separation and removal of leukocytes (white blood cells) from blood, such as neutrophil granulocytes, eosinophil granulocytes, basophil granulocytes, lymphocytes (natural killer cells, T-cells and B-cells) and monocytes.

In other embodiments of the present disclosure, an indwelling access port 20, such as indwelling access port 20 a, disclosed herein may also be used with the catheter 30 a during a parenteral nutrition procedure, and more particularly a total parenteral nutrition procedure. Parenteral nutrition may be understood as feeding the host 58 intravenously, and in doing so bypassing the usual processes of eating and digestion. Parenteral nutrition may be divided into central parenteral nutrition (CPN) and peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN). Such may also be referred to as central venous nutrition (CVN) and peripheral venous nutrition (PVN). Central parenteral nutrition (CPN), or as central venous nutrition (CVN) is administered through primary veins such as the subclavian vain, jugular vein and femoral veins. Peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN), or peripheral venous nutrition (PVN) is administered through secondary (peripheral) veins in the arm. Such may be further referred to as total parenteral nutrition, either when no significant nutrition is obtained by the host 58 through other routes. During a parenteral nutrition procedure, fluid source 32 may comprise a nutritional formulae that contain nutrients such as glucose, amino acids, lipids and added vitamins and dietary minerals to be administered to the host 58 through the indwelling access port 20 a to the host 58, with the aid of pump 46.

Parenteral nutrition may be required for a host 58 who do not have a functioning gastrointestinal tract, or who have disorders requiring complete bowel rest, including bowel obstruction, short bowel syndrome, gastroschisis, prolonged diarrhea, fistula, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as certain pediatric GI disorders including congenital GI anomalies and necrotizing enterocolitis. Parenteral nutrition may also be required for hosts who may not be able to feed themselves, such as hosts who may be in a coma

In other embodiments of the present disclosure, an indwelling access port 20, such as indwelling access port 20 a, disclosed herein may also be used with the catheter 30 a being inserted into a body cavity 70 other than the peritoneal cavity. For example, an indwelling access port 20, such as indwelling access port 20 a, disclosed herein may also be used with the catheter 30 a being inserted into the stomach for long-term enteral nutrition, with the catheter 30 a operating as a gastric feeding tube (G-tube). Catheter 30 a may also be inserted into the jejunum and thus operate as a jejunal feeding tube (J-tube), or be inserted into both the stomach and jejunum and thus operate as a gastrojejunal feeding tube (GJ-tube).

In other embodiments of the present disclosure, an indwelling access port 20, such as indwelling access port 20 a, disclosed herein may also be used during infusion of other cancer treatments (i.e. other than chemotherapy). For example an indwelling access port 20, such as indwelling access port 20 a, disclosed herein may also be used with the catheter 30 a during a CAR-T treatment. This immunotherapy uses the hosts's own T cells to specifically attack cancer. The T cells are collected from the host's blood using apheresis, then genetically engineered to produce special receptors on their surface known as chimeric antigen receptors or “CARs”. CAR proteins allow T cells to recognize a specific antigen on cancer cells.

The engineered CAR-T cells are grown in the laboratory until they number in the billions, then infused into the patient. The T cells multiply in the patient's body and, with guidance from their engineered receptors, recognize and kill cancer cells that harbor the antigen on their surfaces.

However, reintroduction of CAR-T cells is problematic using small gauge needles (e.g. 20-21 gauge). Reinfusion using small gauge needles can damage or kill (lyse) up to 50% of the re-injected CAR-T cells. This cellular destruction is caused simply by pushing too many cells through the small gauge needles, particularly in targeted tumor or brain applications. As a result, indwelling access port 20, such as indwelling access port 20 a may make use of larger gauge needles (e.g. 14-17 gauge) to re-infuse cells through a large bore, alleviating cell destruction (which may be understood as lysis occurring due to mechanical pressure disruption of cell membranes cause by external pressure applied thereto). Stated another way, the use of small gauge needles may reduce the shear rate/pressure placed on the CAR-T cells during introduction, thus reducing the level of cellular destruction.

In other embodiments of the present disclosure, an indwelling access port 20, such as indwelling access port 20 a, disclosed herein may also be used with the catheter 30 a being inserted to blood vessel 68 to treat hemochromatosis. Hemochromatosis, or iron overload, indicates accumulation of iron in the body from any cause. In order to treat hemochromatosis, blood may be removed from the host via phlebotomy.

An indwelling access port 20, such as indwelling access port 20 a, disclosed herein may also be used with the catheter 30 a being inserted to blood vessel 68 to deliver blood to the body. For example, indwelling access port 20 a, disclosed herein may also be used with the catheter 30 a being inserted to blood vessel 68 to treat sickle cell (anemia) disease. Sickle cell disease changes normal, round red blood cells into cells that can be shaped like crescent moons, a shape which is associated with the crescent-shaped blade of a sickle. In order to treat sickle cell disease, blood may be delivered to the host via transfusion. A blood transfusion lowers the amount of hemoglobin S red blood cells in the body. When there are fewer sickled hemoglobin S cells in the bloodstream, they are less likely to build up and block blood vessels. The transfusion my also take place immediately after a phlebotomy to remove blood and sickle shaped red blood cells from the host.

An indwelling access port 20, such as indwelling access port 20 a, disclosed herein may also be used with the catheter 30 a being inserted to blood vessel 68 to deliver blood to the body also to treat beta thalassemia via transfusion. Beta thalassemia is a blood disorder that reduces the production of hemoglobin.

In light of the foregoing, it should be understood that an indwelling access port 20, such as indwelling access port 20 a, disclosed herein may also be used with the catheter 30 a for a transfusion to treat any disease treatable thereby.

Referring now to FIG. 13, there is shown another embodiment of a medical device 10 according to the present disclosure, which comprises implantable (subcutaneous), indwelling access port 20 m, which is similar in construction to indwelling access port 20 h.

Access port 20 m includes one or more sensors 300 configured to operate with processor 202, power supply 204 and wireless communication device 206. More particularly, sensor(s) 300 are operable to provide an operational output (e.g. electronic output signal), and the wireless communication device 206 is operable to transmit the operational output of the sensor 300 from the access port 20 m, which may be reported to a remote location using communication device 206. Power supply 204 may be used to power the sensor 300, as well as the wireless communication device 206.

For example, sensor 300 may be configured to detect presence (non-existence or existence) of fluid in fluid passage 26 of access port 20 m, as well as a flow of fluid through the fluid passage 26 of access port 20 m, such as a flow of fluid into the host and/or s flow of fluid out of the host.

Sensor 300 may comprise a non-invasive/non-contact sensor, i.e. a sensor which does not make contact with the fluid flowing through the access port 20 m, particularly to reduce the risk of contamination. Sensor 300 may be an optical sensor, and more particularly a spectroscopic sensor. Sensor 300 may include a light (e.g. infrared) emitter 302 and a light (e.g. infrared) detector 304. Light emitter 302 and light detector 304 may be aligned on opposing sides of fluid passage 26 such that infrared light emitted from light emitter 302 is detected by light detector 304. Such may be understood as a transmissive arrangement. In order to facilitate light transmission, the fluid passage 26 between the light emitter 302 and light detector 304 is located within light transmissive plastic tubing, such as transparent plastic tubing 28.

During operation, light from the light emitter 302 is detected by the light detector 304. The light detector 304 then outputs a voltage corresponding to the amount of light detected. For example, when no light is detected by the light detector 304, the output voltage may be at its lowest value, and when a maximum amount of light is detected by the light detector 304, the output voltage may be at its highest value.

The light from light emitter 302 may be emitted at a particular frequency, which is the same as the light frequency to be absorbed by the fluid in fluid passage 26. Alternatively, if the light from light emitter 302 is emitted over a range of frequencies, an interference filter may be located in front of the light detector 304 to prevent wavelengths other than the specific absorption frequency to be absorbed by the fluid from passing through to the light detector 304.

Thus, the amount of light absorbed by the fluid will reduce the amount of light detected by the light detector 304, and hence the output voltage of the light detector 304, which is indicative of the fluid being present in fluid passage 26. Moreover, a change in the output voltage of the light detector 304 is indicative of fluid flow through fluid passage 26.

Referring now to FIG. 14, there is shown another embodiment of a medical device 10 according to the present disclosure, which comprises implantable (subcutaneous), indwelling access port 20 n, which is similar in construction to indwelling access port 20 h.

Access port 20 n includes one or more sensors 320 configured to operate with processor 202, power supply 204 and communication device 206. More particularly, sensor(s) 320 are operable to provide an operational output (e.g. electronic output signal), and the wireless communication device 206 is operable to transmit the operational output of the sensor 300 from the access port 20 n, which may be reported to a remote location using communication device 206. Power supply 204 may be used to power the sensor 300, as well as the wireless communication device 206.

For example, sensor 320 may be configured to detect presence or composition of fluid in fluid passage 26 of access port 20 n, particularly by detecting one or more physical and/or chemical properties of the fluid, as well as a flow of fluid through the fluid passage 26 of access port 20 m, such as a flow of fluid into the host and/or s flow of fluid out of the host.

Sensor 320 may comprise an invasive/contact sensor, i.e. a sensor which makes contact with the fluid flowing through the access port 20 m. As such, sensor 320 may include a sensing element 322 which extends into fluid passage 26 to make contact with the fluid therein.

For example, sensor 320 may be a pressure sensor (e.g. transducer), which senses pressure of the fluid flow within passage 26, particularly to confirm presence of the fluid within passage 26. Other physical (property) sensors for sensor 320 may also be a temperature sensor, a volumetric flow sensor and a mass flow rate sensor. In such regards, sensor 320 may measure mechanical, chemical, thermal, hydraulic, electrical or optical properties of the fluid in a known manner.

Sensor 320 may also be a chemical sensor, which may be understood as a sensor which transforms chemical information (e.g. composition, concentration, presence of an element, presence of an ion, etc.) of the fluid to an output signal. Sensor 320 may also be a particular type of chemical sensor, such as a bioanalytic sensor (or biosensor), which may measure an enzyme, protein, antigen, antibody, ligand, DNA, etc. of the fluid in a known manner. For example, sensor 320 may be a glucose sensor. Sensor 320 may also be use detect a presence of a medication, or a concentration of a medication, which may be part of titration analysis to confirm increasing or decreasing concentration of the medication over time.

It should be understood that while sensors 300 and 320 are disclosed with access ports 20 m and 20 n, respectively, sensors 300 and 320, as well as the supporting components (e.g. processor 202, power supply 204, wireless communication device 206, memory 210) may be incorporated and used with any other access port and medical systems herein.

In addition to the foregoing, the operational output of the sensor 320 may comprise an output signal indicating an operational status of the at least one sensor 320, such as on/off, monitoring for use of the sensor 320, data acquisition or transmitting data, particularly from memory 210. Monitoring for use of the sensor 320 may be performed as part of device/patient compliance, particularly to ensure operation at predetermined times as may be directed by a physician or other clinician.

The foregoing description of several methods and embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claims to the precise steps and/or forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An access port system, comprising: an implantable access port configured to be implanted into a subject, the access port including an access port body, an access port needle and a fluid flow passage provided within the access port body and the access port needle; wherein the access port needle is fully containable within the access port body, and the access port needle is exposable outside the access port body; wherein the access port needle is arranged within the access port body to penetrate outwardly of the subject from within the subject when the access port is implanted in the subject; wherein, when the access port needle is exposed outside the access port body, the fluid flow passage is open to a flow of a fluid within the access port in at least a direction entering the access port through the access port needle and thereafter exiting the access port from the access port body; and wherein the access port includes as least one sensor configured to detect the fluid within the fluid flow passage.
 2. The access port system of claim 1, wherein the access port includes a wireless communication device and a power supply, the at least one sensor is operable to provide an operational output and the wireless communication device is operable to transmit the operational output of the at least one sensor from the access port.
 3. The access port system of claim 2, wherein the wireless communication device comprises at least one of a transmitter, a receiver and a transceiver.
 4. The access port system of claim 2, wherein the operational output of the at least one sensor comprises an output signal indicating a non-existence of the fluid within the fluid flow passage.
 5. The access port system of claim 2, wherein the operational output of the at least one sensor comprises an output signal indicating an existence of the fluid within the fluid flow passage.
 6. The access port system of claim 5, wherein the operational output of the at least one sensor comprises an output signal indicating at least a partial chemical composition of the fluid within the fluid flow passage.
 7. The access port system of claim 5, wherein the operational output of the at least one sensor comprises an output signal indicating at least one physical property of the fluid within the fluid flow passage.
 8. The access port system of claim 7, wherein the at least one physical property of the fluid within the fluid flow passage includes at least one of pressure, temperature and flow rate of the fluid.
 9. The access port system of claim 7, wherein the at least one physical property of the fluid within the fluid flow passage includes at least one of a mechanical, chemical, thermal, hydraulic, electrical and optical property of the fluid.
 10. The access port system of claim 2, wherein the operational output of the at least one sensor comprises an output signal indicating an operational status of the at least one sensor.
 11. The access port system of claim 10, wherein the operational status includes monitoring for use of the sensor.
 12. The access port system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is a contact sensor configured to contact the fluid within the fluid flow passage.
 13. The access port system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is a non-contact sensor configured not to contact the fluid within the fluid flow passage.
 14. The access port system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one of an optical sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a volumetric flow sensor, and a mass flow rate sensor.
 15. The access port system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one of a chemical sensor and a bioanalytic sensor.
 16. The access port system of claim 1, further comprising an actuator configured to operate the access port.
 17. The access port system of claim 1, wherein the access port needle includes a replaceable needle tip.
 18. The access port system of claim 1, further comprising a catheter coupled to the access port. 